Adults Talking to Stuffed Animals – You Call that Normal?

woman talking to brown bear plush toy

Adults Talking to Stuffed Animals

I’ve always loved stuffed animals and kids.

When my daughter was born I found myself with a new love: high quality plushies! She’s been sleeping next to her “Owlie” since she was just three months old. My daughter loved to talk to her plushie!

This blog post is an open letter to parents out there who might be guilty of doing something similar: what’s up with adults talking to their stuffed animals?

Why Adults Talk to Stuffed Animals

One of the most common reasons adults talk to stuffed animals is because they are comforted by their presence. Many people also use stuffed animals as a means to express emotions and because they want reassurance and comfort that something is still there for them in their life.

Playing with dolls and other stuffed animals is a common activity for toddlers. While it might seem strange to adults, there are actually a number of benefits to this type of play. For starters, playing with stuffed animals can help toddlers develop social skills. They learn how to interact with others, negotiate, and compromise. Pretend play also helps children learn empathy and compassion. They learn to take on different roles and understand the feelings of others.

Adults talk to stuffed animals for stress relief

We all know that touching animals can reduce stress levels. But did you know that there are actually stuffed animals specifically designed for reducing stress and anxiety? That’s right – these cuddly creatures can help relieve stress and provide comfort.

So if you’re feeling stressed out, why not try talking to a stuffed animal? It might just be the perfect way to relax and de-stress.

Adults talk to stuffed animals to feel less alone

When you desperately need a hug, but don’t have anyone. We all need a hug from time to time. We all have a need for social companionship, and sometimes stuffed animals are the best (or only) option available to us.

They can provide a sense of warmth and comfort, and help us feel connected to the world. In times of isolation or loneliness, they can be a welcome source of companionship.

adults alone talking teddy bear

Adults talk to stuffed animals because they remind them of childhood

We all have a need for security and comfort, especially when we’re going through tough times or big changes in our lives. And for many of us, stuffed animals can provide that sense of security.

Stuffed animals remind us of the innocent days of childhood when we didn’t have to worry about bills, work, or any other adult responsibilities. Sounds familiar, right?

Adults sleep with stuffed animals to reduce negative feelings and loneliness. Studies have shown that sleeping with a comfort object can help people feel more secure and reduce anxiety levels. And research has also shown that adults sleep better when they have a sense of security.

What Psychology Says About Adults With Stuffed Animals

Psychologists have found that stuffed animals are beneficial for young children in a number of ways. They are seen as transitional objects that help children learn important skills, such as how to relate to others and how to deal with their emotions. Stuffed animals also often become children’s first friends, providing them with comfort and support when they need it.

Teddy bear psychology

Adults who still own and talk to stuffed toys from when they were kids are considered normal. Adults who have stuffed toys are often sentimental and enjoy keeping them around because they look for comfort and security.

Comfort objects

Comfort objects, including stuffed animals, can provide a sense of security and help to reduce negative feelings during times of transition or stress. Sleeping with a stuffed animal can also promote better sleep quality by providing a sense of security. Therefore, talking to stuffed animals can be beneficial for adults in many ways.

brown bear plush toy wearing blue knitted beanie

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory is a psychological theory that deals with the formation of relationships. It is based on the idea that humans are born with a need for secure attachments. (The theory was developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth in the 1940s) This means that we need to feel safe and secure in order to develop healthy relationships. Adults who talk to stuffed animals may be using them as a way to satisfy this need.

A recent study found that brain activity is different when patients look at transitional objects (such as stuffed animals) compared to healthy participants or patients with other mental disorders. This finding suggests that transitional objects may play a role in attachment formation and security.

Attachment to Stuffed Animals

People with strong emotional attachments to stuffed animals may be experiencing dysfunctional attachment patterns. Psychologists agree that healthy attachment to weighted stuffed animals is not problem, not even for adults.

What is the transitional phenomenon?

The “transitional phenomenon” is the act of using a stuffed animal as a way to cope with change or stress in one’s life.

A transitional phenomenon is the attachment of a child to a material object. This object is chosen and loved by the child, and often accompanies them most of the time. It represents the child’s attachment to their parents and helps with separation anxiety. The transitional object is usually soft and has a nice texture, providing comfort to the child during difficult times.

In order for a child to develop properly, they need to form attachments. One way that this is done is through the use of transitional objects- arbitrary items that are loved and played with. These objects often have a special smell that fades over time, and they can never be replaced. The transitional object helps the child deal with separation anxiety and promotes healthy development.

The Benefits of Talking to a Stuffed Animal

Many people view talking to stuffed animals as something that is only for children. However, there are actually many benefits for adults who talk to their stuffed animals – it can help people with disorganized attachment styles form secure attachments.

Building secure emotional attachments can help people live happier lives. Therefore, if you are struggling in your relationships or finding it difficult to connect with others, talking to a stuffed animal may be a helpful way for you to start forming healthier attachments.

Why a Weighted Stuffed Animal Might Help You Sleep

A weighted stuffed animal or favorite blanket can provide comfort to a child during a difficult time. They are known as transitional objects and can help bridge an uncertain gap or difficult time. This might be when the child is moving to a new home, starting school, or going through a traumatic experience.

A weighted stuffed animal can provide many benefits like comfort and security during the night. It may help adults feel calm and reconnect with childhood memories. Just like weighted blankets may have a physical and psychological effect on adults, providing them with a sense of safety and relaxation.

Some people even find more comfort in sleeping with their head under the covers because it provides psychological relaxation by creating a sense of safety and calm.

Weighted objects, such as weighted stuffed animals, weighted eye masks and weighted blankets are thought to help calm someone down by stimulating the same good feeling as a hug or massage.

Is It Normal to Hug a Pillow While Sleeping?

Many people hug their pillow when they sleep. Hugging a pillow can be a sign of insecurity or loneliness. But is it normal to hug a pillow while sleeping?

There is also a methode called self hugging. Self-hugging allows us to reduce stress and anxiety.

Why do adults sleep with stuffed animals?

It is common for adults to sleep with a stuffed animal because adults use them as a way to deal with anxiety when sleeping alone or to express emotions – just like when they were children.

Conclusion

If you’re an adult who talks to stuffed animals, there’s nothing weird about it! In fact, it may be just what you need to feel less alone, relieve stress, or be comforted.

That is you, trying to hold onto a little bit of childhood innocence in a world that can be pretty tough sometimes.

lezt

By lezt

Lez Taylor, Founder and CEO of Corala Blanket. She tried every sleep system and trick to conquer her insomnia for good.